The Rocks of Eridge - 9 Mile Hike through East Sussex

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Join us for an easy paced and sociable nine mile hike through Kent and East Sussex. Our route takes us over heaths, hills and beautiful parkland to explore the Rocks of Eridge hidden in the woods of Broadwater Forest.

Passing through pretty villages and over restored heathland we come to Eridge Rocks, the first group of surprising sandstone boulders that tower up to ten metres above our path. Home to a variety of rare plant life and a Site of Special Scientific Interest, they also look rather awesome! We wend our way along their 600 metre length heading deeper into the woods towards the RSPB's Broadwater Warren nature reserve. If we are quiet as we walk through the forest the loudest noise will be the birdsong around us. Very peaceful.

Later we pass under the second stone formation at High Rocks before making our way back into the historic centre of Royal Tunbridge Wells. Here we board the train for the return journey to London but for those who would like food and drink, (usually the majority of the group!), we will visit a nice pub for a chat and wind down with your new friends before getting on the train.

In more detail:

Meet from 09:00 at Charing Cross Railway Station. Tom will be stood by the ticket office inside the building. We will travel on the 0949 train to Frant so you must give yourself time to purchase a ticket (and get into groups of three if you want the group save option). Tom will be wearing his Explorer UK green hoodie.

We will have a picnic lunch so make sure you buy a sandwich or bring a pack-up. There is a pub where we will be booked in for food at the end. Also remember you need water and depending on the weather, probably some sun cream and a hat! There are toilets at the start, middle and finish on this walk.

Cost:

The organiser charge for this trip is £5 which covers Meetup fees and other costs/sundry expenses. The charge is non-refundable.

You will also have to buy your return rail ticket from London Charing Cross to Frant. The cost of a return ticket is currently £16.50 but if you team up with two other Exlorers at the station then you can get a third off (so it should cost £10.89). Your train ticket should be bought on the day.

Thing To Bring:

Picnic lunch, water, suitable boots/shoes and clothing including waterproof, your camera, some money for food and drink if you would like to stop in the pub at the end.

Things to wear:

You must have a waterproof and other sensible clothing/footwear for a hike. Consider a hat and sunscreen.

RISK NOTICE:

Please note there are risks associated with all outdoor activity, this is a nine mile hike and although we are not one of the fast groups we ask that you are reasonably fit and wear suitable clothing and footwear. The terrain is uneven and may be slippery - smooth soled shoes/boots/fashion trainers and footwear with heels are not suitable (list is not exhaustive). Please avoid doing anything that would put you or other members of the group in danger. In signing up for this trip you agree to the Explorer UK terms and conditions and accept responsibility for any risk of personal injury associated with the walk. You are responsible for your own health and wellbeing and maintaining contact with the group on the hike. If you have a medical condition you should not come on the hike without first seeking medical advice and are also responsible for your own medication. If you are bringing a guest please ensure that they have read this notice and walk description before they agree to come. This walk is not suitable for children or pet dogs.

I will post a weather forecast the night before.

Hope you can come

Best wishes

Tom